University of South Australia
Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Develop advanced competencies in musculoskeletal physiotherapy through critical and reflective engagement with contemporary theory and supervision by clinical experts in practical and clinical sessions.
Course overview
Degree overview
- Develop advanced musculoskeletal competencies to treat a wide range of disorders and conditions that cause pain and limit movement.
- Benefit from flexible learning options, including a blend of on-campus and online study, with part-time options available.
- Benefit from more than 50 years of experience in physiotherapy education.
- Learn from internationally renowned teachers and clinicians.
- Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in physiotherapy.
- Benefit from UniSA's strong industry partnerships and alliances.
- Advance your clinical skills through supervised practice in UniSA's on and off-campus physiotherapy clinics and through placements.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands, so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
This Australian Physiotherapy Association-accredited master’s degree is for qualified physiotherapists who want to gain advanced clinical skills and knowledge in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. This is a critical specialisation within physiotherapy, as the skeleton provides a framework for the muscles and other soft tissues. Together, they support the body’s weight, maintain posture and help a person to move freely.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal), students must take 36 units or four courses, each worth 4.5 units.
Core courses
Complete the following courses:
- Allied Health Research Evidence Translation
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 2
- Integrated Pain Sciences
- Advanced Scope Physiotherapy
- Strength and Conditioning
- Advanced Physiotherapy Practice 1
- Advanced Physiotherapy Practice 2 (Musculoskeletal)
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have:
- Completed a Bachelor's degree level or equivalent professional entry level qualification from a recognised higher education institution in Physiotherapy.
- A minimum of 10 months full-time or equivalent, physiotherapy practice in a relevant field following completion of the professional entry-level qualification.
- Met the requirements for eligibility for registration as a physiotherapist or limited registration under supervision with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Students must apply for limited registration after acceptance into the program.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit transfer (study credit) formally recognises your prior learning and work/life experience. It can be granted for specific courses (subjects) or a block of courses where your previous qualification or experience is equivalent to the learning.
So, what counts as prior learning? It can be from one of the following providers:
- Recognised higher education provider.
- TAFE or other recognised VET provider.
- A professional body, enterprise, private educational institution or other similar body.
- Work experience.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
You'll learn to communicate effectively with clients, community and industry partners to provide advanced physiotherapy management. You’ll also develop an appreciation of cultural diversity in promoting health and wellbeing in various clinical environments and among diverse populations, including patients and peers.
Your study topics will cover:
- Allied health evidence translation
- Pain theory and management
- Advanced musculoskeletal examination and management
- Exercise and conditioning
- Advanced scope practice
Clinical practice is a significant component of this degree. You'll be able to apply your new knowledge to clinical practice, under the supervision of postgraduate qualified physiotherapists.
Career outcomes
As a musculoskeletal master’s graduate, you can advance your physiotherapy career across a variety of settings, including:
- Private practice
- Clinics
- Sport and exercise services
- Rehabilitation centres
- Hospitals
- Home and community services
- Disability services
- Aged care facilities
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative Annual fee in 2025: $33,600 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative annual fee is based on 1.0 EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Study Load) or 36 units.
Student fees may vary per:
- The number of courses studied per year.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
